Introduction. In 2012, in all European countries, breast cancer was one of the most common malignant neoplasms among women. According to the National Cancer Registry, new 16 534 cases of breast cancer were confirmed in 2011 in Poland. A surgery called mastectomy is a basic method of treatment, which consists in the removal of the breast, or as an alternative to the radical amputation, breast conserving treatment (BCT) can be applied. Surgical treatment poses not only a serious oncological problem, but also a cosmetic and psychological one. Women fear they would lose their femininity and sexual attractiveness after the surgery. They feel defective (half woman complex) and they experience such feelings as: shame, anger and depression. Many patients also feel anxious about breaking home or being left by their partners. Sexuality is a sphere of life that is particularly susceptible to all kinds of perturbation of pshysical and mental states. Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the sexual health of women after surgical treatment of breast cancer. Material and methods. The study involved 221 women, members of the Association of the Amazons. Authors used a standardized questionnaire and research tool – Female Sexual Function Index in Polish version. Results. Respondents were characterized by the presence of sexual dysfunction at the level of over 60%. At the time of the study, almost half of the respondents identified the importance of sexual activity as very or completely irrelevant. Nearly 25% of respondents are dissatisfied with the relationship with your partner. Conclusions. Surgical treatment of breast cancer affects women’s sexual health.

Key words: sexuality of women, breast cancer, sexual health.